The Most Tradable Asset on Every MLB Team This Winter

Free agency is officially underway, as what promises to be a busy offseason around the league starts to get going in the days and weeks ahead.

Many of the rumors at this point are centered around where the top free agents will decide to call home next season, but there is an interesting crop of talent expected to be on the trade market this offseason, as well.

Whether it's a high-end prospect that a team would be willing to move for the right price or an established big-league player who does not factor into his club's long-term plans, here is a look at each team's most tradeable asset this winter.

Arizona Diamondbacks: SS Chris Owings

The No. 41 pick in the 2009 draft, Chris Owings has emerged as one of the top shortstop prospects in all of baseball over the past two years, and he made his big league debut down the stretch this past season.

With 23-year-old Didi Gregorius likely to hold down the shortstop position for the foreseeable future in Arizona, Owings has no clear path to the majors. Shortstop prospects with plus offensive upside are always in demand, and there would be more than a few teams interested if he were made available.

Atlanta Braves: 2B Dan Uggla

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

MLB

136

.179/.309/.362

80

10

3

22

55

60

2

Player Overview

According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the Braves will "certainly entertain shopping" second baseman Dan Uggla, and that's no surprise after a terrible all-around 2013 season ending with the high-priced veteran left off the Braves postseason roster.

While he has hit 77 home runs in his three years with the Braves, the 33-year-old has hit just .213/.323/.404 over that span and remains a sub-par defensive option. Moving him will mean eating a good deal of the $26 million left on his contract, but it may be worth it at this point just to cut ties.

Baltimore Orioles: SP Eduardo Rodriguez

USA TODAY Sports

2013 Stats

Level

G/GS

W-L

ERA

WHIP

H

BB

K

IP

A+

14/14

6-4

2.85

1.207

78

25

66

85.1

AA

11/11

4-3

4.22

1.291

53

24

59

59.2

Player Overview

The Orioles are unlikely to move top young arms Kevin Gausman or Dylan Bundy, and the same goes for second base prospect Jonathan Schoop, but they could consider moving 20-year-old left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez if the price is right.

The team balked at sending Rodriguez to the Twins for Josh Willingham at the deadline this past season, according to MASNsports.com, but he remains their most valuable trade chip who could potentially be moved.

Boston Red Sox: 3B Garin Cecchini

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

A+

63

.350/.469/.547

75

19

4

5

33

44

15

AA

93

.296/.420/.404

71

14

3

2

28

36

8

Player Overview

Taken in the fourth round of the 2010 draft and signed above slot despite not playing his senior season of high school, Garin Cecchini has quickly become one of the top third base prospects in the game and has moved quickly through the Red Sox organization to this point.

The Boston system is flush with talent, with most of it being on the pitching side of things where the team will be hesitant to make a move with an aging rotation. Will Middlebrooks returned strong after a midseason demotion and still looks like the long-term answer at third base, so that could make Cecchini a very attractive trade chip.

Chicago Cubs: SP Jeff Samardzija

Denis Poroy/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G/GS

W-L

ERA

WHIP

H

BB

K

IP

MLB

33/33

8-13

4.34

1.348

210

78

214

213.2

Player Overview

After a breakout 2012 in which he went 9-13 with a 3.81 ERA, 1.219 WHIP and 9.3 K/9, it looked like Jeff Samardzija would be a key piece of the Cubs' rebuilding plans atop the rotation. He showed flashes of greatness in 2013, but as a whole, the season was a step back for the 28-year-old.

The Cubs and Diamondbacks were involved in trade talks at the deadline involving Samardzija, and according to Buster Olney of ESPN, those talks will likely resume this offseason. Trading him may seem odd for a pitching-thin Cubs team, but given the fact he is already 28, it may not be a bad idea if the price is right.

Chicago White Sox: 2B Gordon Beckham

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

MLB

103

.267/.322/.372

99

22

1

5

24

46

5

Player Overview

The No. 8 pick in the 2008 draft, Gordon Beckham burst onto the scene as a 22-year-old in 2009, hitting .270/.347/.460 with 14 home runs in 378 at-bats while playing third base. He moved to second the following season, where he was expected to be a premier offensive producer, but that hasn't been the case.

With the emergence of prospect Marcus Semien (.284/.401/.479, 19 HR, 24 RBI in minors), the Sox could look to move Beckham this offseason while he still has two years of team control. According to Scott Merkin and Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com, the Toronto Blue Jays have already expressed interest in the 27-year-old.

Cincinnati Reds: 2B Brandon Phillips

Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

MLB

151

.261/.310/.396

158

24

2

18

103

80

5

Player Overview

Though he set a career-high with 103 RBI and earned his first All-Star Game start, the 2013 season was by many accounts the worst season of Brandon Phillips career since he became an everyday player in 2006.

His .261/.310/.396 triple-slash represented career-lows across the board, and his five stolen bases were a sharp decline from previous seasons. Those down numbers, combined with the fact that Phillips can be a clubhouse distraction at times, has the Reds set to shop the 32-year-old this offseason, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. He's due $50 million over the next four years, so moving him will be no easy task.

Cleveland Indians: SS Dorssys Paulino

The Indians have two of the best shortstop prospects in all of baseball in Francisco Lindor and Dorssys Paulino, and a solid incumbent big league option in Asdrubal Cabrera, so expect someone from that group to at least be shopped this offseason.

With the team looking for a return trip to the postseason, they won't want to deal Cabrera, and Lindor is essentially untouchable as one of the top prospects in all of baseball, but Paulino could be a centerpiece in any major deal they look to pull off.

Colorado Rockies: CF Dexter Fowler

Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

MLB

119

.263/.369/.407

109

18

3

12

42

71

19

Player Overview

He may not have prolific power or blazing speed, but Dexter Fowler has emerged as a solid table-setter atop the Rockies lineup, and his career .365 on-base percentage makes him an attractive trade target for a team looking for a leadoff hitter.

While the Rockies are in the market for an outfielder this offseason with Michael Cuddyer likely shifting to first base to replace Todd Helton, they may also shop the 27-year-old Fowler, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post.

Detroit Tigers: SP Max Scherzer

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G/GS

W-L

ERA

WHIP

H

BB

K

IP

MLB

32/32

21-3

2.90

0.970

152

56

240

214.1

Player Overview

The idea of the Tigers trading Max Scherzer may sound crazy on the surface considering the season he just had and the fact that the Tigers are still in win-now mode. According to Danny Knobler of CBSSports, though, Detroit may do just that this offseason.

After earning $6.725 million in arbitration last season, Scherzer will get a huge raise in his final year of arbitration, and the Tigers already have three players with an annual salary north of $20 million. Chances are they won't be able to lock him up long-term, and if they can get a solid arm capable of stepping into his rotation spot along with a decent package of prospects, don't be surprised to see him on the move.

Houston Astros: 2B/OF Delino DeShields Jr.

Selected out of high school with the No. 8 pick in the 2010 draft, Delino DeShields Jr. has been one of the top speed threats in the minors since he began his pro career, but he took a big step forward from an overall offensive standpoint this past season.

A natural second baseman, he's been working in the outfield in the Arizona Fall League, as he's blocked by Jose Altuve long-term. It's unlikely that the Astros would move any of their young talent at this point, but if they did, a package built around DeShields could be a possibility.

Kansas City Royals: DH Billy Butler

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

MLB

162

.289/.374/.412

168

27

0

15

82

62

0

Player Overview

A staple in the middle of the Royals lineup since he broke into the league as a 21-year-old back in 2007, Billy Butler enjoyed the best season of his career in 2012, as he hit .313/.373/.510 with career bests of 29 home runs and 107 RBI.

He fell well short of those numbers in 2013, though, despite playing in all 162 games, and the team is willing to listen to offers for him this offseason, according to Buster Olney of ESPN. The 27-year-old is due $8 million this coming season with a $12.5 million option for 2015 that carries a $1 million buyout. That's a reasonable salary assuming he bounces back and produces closer to his 2012 numbers.

Los Angeles Angels: 1B/OF Mark Trumbo

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

MLB

159

.234/.294/.453

145

30

2

34

100

85

5

Player Overview

Thrust into action by an injury to Kendrys Morales back in 2011, Mark Trumbo posted a .768 OPS with 29 home runs and 87 RBI to finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting that season. He improved those numbers to an .808 OPS with 32 home runs and 95 RBI in his second season and earned his first trip to the All-Star Game.

While his power numbers continued to climb this past year with 34 home runs and 100 RBI, his triple slash dropped from .268/.317/.491 to .234/.294/.453. With Albert Pujols expected back healthy and J.B. Shuck a viable option for everyday at-bats in the outfield, the team could move Trumbo to improve their pitching staff.

Los Angeles Dodgers: CF Joc Pederson

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

AA

123

.278/.381/.497

122

24

3

22

58

81

31

Player Overview

Taken in the 11th round back in 2010, Joc Pederson was viewed as a fourth outfielder-type when he first joined the Dodgers organization, but he has done nothing but hit through three minor league levels so far and could wind up being an impact player yet.

With a good mix of power and speed, the 21-year-old is an attractive trade chip for a Dodgers team that already has an overabundance of outfielders at the big league level. Any major trade LA pulls off this offseason will likely be with a package built around Pederson.

Miami Marlins: RF Giancarlo Stanton

Steve Mitchell/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

MLB

116

.249/.365/.480

106

26

0

24

62

62

1

Player Overview

Still just 23 years old, Giancarlo Stanton has some of the best raw power in all of baseball, and that was on full display during the 2012 season when he hit 37 home runs in 449 at-bats and led the NL with a .608 slugging percentage.

He battled through injuries in 2013 but still has one of the brightest futures of any player in baseball. According to Jim Bowden of ESPN, new Marlins GM Dan Jennings intends to build around Stanton and won't trade him, but his name will no doubt continue to come up in rumors until he has a long-term deal with Miami.

Milwaukee Brewers: 2B Rickie Weeks

Mike McGinnis/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

MLB

104

.209/.306/.357

73

20

1

10

24

40

7

Player Overview

Though he's had some solid years and put up good power/speed numbers throughout his career, Rickie Weeks has never quite lived up to his vast potential. This past season saw the 30-year-old put together the worst season of his big league career, and that has left his future with the Brewers in doubt.

His struggles gave Scooter Gennett a chance to show what he could do, and the 23-year-old hit .324/.356/.479 over 213 at-bats in his first taste of big league action. The team could opt to platoon the two guys at second, as Gennett hit just .154/.175/.154 in 39 at-bats against lefties. However, with Weeks making $11 million this coming season, shopping him seems likely.

Minnesota Twins: 3B Travis Harrison

Drafted in the Supplemental Round of the 2011 draft and signed above slot, Travis Harrison made his pro debut the following season and hit .301/.383/.461 over 219 at-bats in the rookie league. He made his full season debut this past year, and while he struck out a lot, he showed some plate discipline skills and plus power potential.

It remains to be seen whether his glove will stick at the hot corner, but he's currently blocked there by top prospect Miguel Sano, and that could make him expendable moving forward. His power potential makes him an interesting trade chip, and moving him wouldn't be much of a blow to one of the league's best farm systems.

With the Mets expected to pursue at least one outfielder in free agency, it appears Lucas Duda and Ike Davis will be competing for the starting first base job this season.

According to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, one of those two guys will likely be traded this offseason, with second baseman Daniel Murphy potentially on the block, as well. It's an important offseason for the Mets as they look to move towards a return to contention, and this will be big decision No. 1.

New York Yankees: CF Slade Heathcott

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

AA

103

.261/.327/.411

104

22

7

8

49

59

15

Player Overview

The Yankees' first-round pick in the 2009 draft, Slade Heathcott has moved very slowly through the minors while dealing with injuries. He finally looked to turn a corner in 2012, hitting .302/.380/.461 while spending most of the season in High-A, but he took a step back with a promotion to Double-A in 2013.

With Mason Williams and Tyler Austin both ahead of him as far as outfield prospects go, the Yankees could look to move Heathcott while his tools are still intriguing enough to net a solid return. On the flip side, the 23-year-old could be an attractive buy-low candidate as far as prospects go for other teams.

Oakland Athletics: SP Brett Anderson

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G/GS

W-L

ERA

WHIP

H

BB

K

IP

MLB

16/5

1-4

6.04

1.612

51

21

46

44.2

Player Overview

The A's Opening Day starter in 2013, Brett Anderson has flashed frontline stuff through his career but has struggled to stay on the field. Tommy John surgery limited him to just six starts in 2012, and an ankle injury cost him most of this past season, and he pitched out of the bullpen upon returning in September.

The team exercised their $8 million option on the 25-year-old, but that could be with an eye towards shopping him. Sonny Gray, Jarrod Parker, Dan Straily, Tommy Milone and A.J. Griffin all figure to be in the running for a rotation spot, and the team could yet re-sign Bartolo Colon. The Blue Jays have been interested in Anderson for some time, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Philadelphia Phillies: 3B Cody Asche

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

AAA

104

.295/.352/.485

119

24

4

15

68

52

11

MLB

50

.235/.302/.389

38

8

1

5

22

18

1

Player Overview

A University of Nebraska product, Cody Asche was taken in the fourth round of the 2011 draft. Viewed as the third baseman of the future since joining the organization, he got his first taste of the majors in the second half and held his own over 162 at-bats.

So why would a team desperate for young talent like the Phillies consider moving Asche? Maikel Franco. The 21-year-old Franco was one of the biggest surprises in all of minor league baseball this past season, hitting .320/.356/.569 with 31 home runs and 103 RBI. He actually hit better after a midseason promotion to Double-A and will be knocking on the door in Philadelphia in the very near future.

Pittsburgh Pirates: SP Tyler Glasnow

A fifth-round pick in 2011, Tyler Glasnow turned in a solid first pro season in 2012, posting a 1.88 ERA while being used sparingly and throwing 38.1 innings over 12 games.

He entered the 2013 season as the team's No. 19 prospect, according to Baseball America, and quickly shot up prospect lists in his full-season debut. The team has a pair of high-end prospects they could move in the right deal, with Glasnow and Gregory Polanco capable of netting a big return, but Glasnow is probably the more likely of the two to be moved in any blockbuster deal.

San Diego Padres: 3B Chase Headley

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

MLB

141

.250/.347/.400

130

35

2

13

50

59

8

Player Overview

After a breakout season in 2012 that saw him hit .286/.376/.498 with 31 home runs and 115 RBI, Chase Headley was among the bigger disappointments in 2013, and the Padres will have a tough decision to make regarding his future this offseason.

A free agent at the end of the year, Headley will no doubt either be extended or traded this offseason. If he is moved, the team could shift Jedd Gyorko back to his natural position at third and give Cory Spangenberg a chance at second base.

San Francisco Giants: RF Francisco Peguero

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

RK

6

.308/.308/.500

8

0

1

1

7

5

0

AAA

70

.316/.354/.408

86

12

2

3

30

38

3

MLB

18

.207/.233/.345

6

1

0

1

1

4

2

Player Overview

Signed out of the Dominican Republic back in 2006, Francisco Peguero has spent parts of eight seasons in the Giants' minor league system. In 2,718 minor league at-bats, he's posted a .306/.337/.427 line and stolen 131 bases.

He's seen just 45 big league at-bats to this point in his career, though, and the 25-year-old does not look to have a clear path to any sort of significant playing time again this year. A good contact hitter with plus speed, Peguero has the tools to make an impact in the big leagues but is essentially expendable in San Francisco and could be a useful trade chip to bolster their pitching.

Seattle Mariners: 2B/OF Stefen Romero

A 12th-round selection out of Oregon State in 2010, Stefen Romero enjoyed a breakout season in 2012, hitting .352/.391/.599 with 23 home runs and 101 RBI while splitting the year between High-A and Double-A. That was enough to make him the No. 8 prospect in a good Mariners system entering 2013, according to Baseball America.

The 25-year-old held his own, spending most of the year in Triple-A, but his future role with the Mariners remains in question. A third baseman in college, he has spent the bulk of his time in the minors at second base, but is blocked by Nick Franklin/Dustin Ackley in the majors. His bat should play in the majors, and a change of scenery could allow him an opportunity to play every day.

St. Louis Cardinals: SP Lance Lynn or SP Shelby Miller

Rob Carr/Getty Images

2013 Stats-Lance Lynn

Level

G/GS

W-L

ERA

WHIP

H

BB

K

IP

MLB

33/33

15-10

3.97

1.314

189

76

198

201.2

2013 Stats-Shelby Miller

Level

G/GS

W-L

ERA

WHIP

H

BB

K

IP

MLB

31/31

15-9

3.06

1.206

152

57

169

173.1

Player Overview

The Cardinals have a number of big decisions to make this offseason, and the biggest will be how to best utilize their substantial starting pitching depth. According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, right-handers Shelby Miller and Lance Lynn are the two most likely arms to be shopped.

The team will also likely shop third baseman David Freese as they look to move Matt Carpenter to third base to open up a starting spot for Kolten Wong, but moving Lynn or Miller would be their biggest move and could help land them an upgrade at shortstop.

Tampa Bay Rays: SP David Price

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G/GS

W-L

ERA

WHIP

H

BB

K

IP

MLB

27/27

10-8

3.33

1.098

178

27

151

186.2

Player Overview

After making $10.1 million in his first season of arbitration eligibility last offseason, David Price won't get any cheaper moving forward, and chances are he will be pitching elsewhere before the 2014 MLB season is over.

According to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune, Price has already come to terms with the likelihood that he'll be moved, so it won't come as a surprise to him when his name comes up this offseason.

"If you go with what's been done in the past, I guess you're going to have to think you're going to get traded," said Price in the Mooney article.

Texas Rangers: SS Jurickson Profar

Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

AAA

37

.278/.370/.438

40

7

2

4

19

27

6

MLB

85

.234/.308/.336

67

11

0

6

26

30

2

Player Overview

The No. 1 prospect in baseball entering the 2013 season, according to Baseball America, Jurickson Profar struggled to find consistent at-bats at the big league level with Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus manning the middle infield spots in Texas.

The 20-year-old has a ton of upside, but with Kinsler and Andrus both locked up long-term, something has to give. GM Jon Daniels talked with 105.3 The Fan back in October and appears to be open to any trade that would help the team.

“If [a trade] helps us get better and win, then yeah, and I think we’d consider trading somebody. If it doesn’t, we’re not going to force it. There are a lot worse problems than having too many good players for a position," said Daniels.

Profar has the most trade value of the trio, and if an opportunity presents itself to add a star-caliber player like Giancarlo Stanton or David Price, perhaps the team would be willing to move the young infielder.

Toronto Blue Jays: RP Casey Janssen

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

W-L

SV

ERA

WHIP

H

BB

K

IP

MLB

56

4-1

34-of-36

2.56

0.987

39

13

50

52.2

Player Overview

Were it not for an injury to Sergio Santos early-on in the 2012 season, Casey Janssen may never have gotten a chance to close games. However, after saving 22 games with a 2.54 ERA that season, he spent his first full season in the role in 2013 and had a terrific all-around year.

The Blue Jays already exercised a very reasonable $4 million option on him for 2014, in what will be the final year of his current contract. The bullpen was a strength in Toronto last year, and they have other potential closer options in Steve Delabar, Marcus Stroman and even Santos. That could be reason enough to at least test the market for the 32-year-old Janssen.

Washington Nationals: CF Eury Perez

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

2013 Stats

Level

G

BA/OBP/SLG

H

2B

3B

HR

RBI

R

SB

AAA

96

.300/.366/.422

121

18

5

7

28

55

23

MLB

9

.125/.125/.125

1

0

0

0

0

1

1

Player Overview

The No. 7 prospect in the Nationals system entering 2013, according to Baseball America, speedy Eury Perez does not look to have a role in the Nationals' short- or long-term plans despite a solid season as a 23-year-old in Triple-A last year.

Denard Span is signed through 2015 to play center field, and after that, top prospect Brian Goodwin is expected to step into that spot. Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth are slated to fill the other outfield spots long-term, so Perez looks like a fourth outfielder at best in Washington. A trade could at least give him a chance to compete for a starting opportunity elsewhere.